A bow company could do much worse than take the name of one of the most iconic brands in outdoor gear history.
In just a few years, though, Winchester Archery has done much more than simply hide behind its famous moniker, and its 2014 bow line is stark proof this company knows a thing—or four—about smart bow construction.
Blind Side SST
Winchester Archery enters its third year with no fewer than four new bows in its growing line-up. The flagship model for 2014 is the Blind Side SST, which employs the AST Zip Cam, a synchronized dual-cam configuration in which the same track of the cam functions for take-up and let-out.
The riser is 6061 forged aluminum engineered with Winchester’s unique Directional Venting, which channels noise and vibration to the stabilizer.
The Blind Side SST also features Winchester’s unusual Pro Link Pocket System, as opposed to conventional limb bolt designs, as well as the Adjustable Roller Guard, LimbSavers, and Winchester’s one-piece rubber grip. (A two-piece target grip is available as an option.)
Rated at 335 fps IBO, the Blind Side SST is 33 inches axle to axle with an adjustable letoff and module-specific draw lengths running from 27 to 30 inches and a 6-inch brace height. Draw weights are 50 to 70 pounds.
The Blind Side SST is finished in Winchester’s Camo Riser with Camo Limbs. It sells at retail for $1,000.
Black Horse
The Black Horse features Winchester’s 2-track ARC cam, engineered for a smooth draw while producing a top speed of 320 fps. Letoff is 80 percent, and dual draw stops insure a hard back wall.
A new rotating module system allows for draw lengths between 27 and 30 inches.
The riser is matte black T6-6061 aluminum, and the black carbon weave Gordon Composite split limbs offer peak draw weights of 50, 60, or 70 pounds.
The Sudden Stop string suppressor is adjustable, as is the roller guard, and both sport carbon fiber rods that enhance the bow’s performance and appearance. Mass weight is 4 pounds.
Made in the USA, the Black Horse boasts stainless steel hardware and Winchester’s Transferable Lifetime Warranty at an affordable $699.
